"Benedict Cumberbatch has had a remarkable year, and as one of the UK's leading talents he truly exemplifies the continued respect that British talents have garnered around the globe," said Gary Dartnall, BAFTA Los Angeles chairman in a statement Thursday.

BAFTA Los Angeles previously announced George Clooney will receive the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for excellence in film; Kathryn Bigelow is the recipient of the John Schlesinger Britannia Award for excellence in directing; and Ben Kingsley will receive the Albert R. Broccoli Britannia Award for worldwide contribution to entertainment.